The RNA Summer Party was fantastic. I love the ambiance at The Royal Overseas League, and the canapes were delicious, especially those tiny pots of fish and chips (I had three!). But as always there are so many lovely people to talk to and only a limited time. I did manage to catch a few, and here are the photos to prove it.
I’ll be cheeky and begin with this year’s contenders for the Joan Hessayon Prize, because I’m happy to say I was one of them!
The contenders for the Joan Hessayon Prize for New Writers. Left to right: Carol McGrath, winner Liesel Schwarz, Jenny Barden, Liz Harris, Joss Alexander, Cathy Mansell, Serena Clarke, Anne Stenhouse Graham, and me. Best foot forward, ladies, as the photographer told us to!
All smiles, left to right: Judy Astley, Jenny Colgan, winner of the Romantic Novel Award, Rowan Coleman (shortlisted for the Romantic Novel Award), and Tamsyn Murray
Liesel Schwarz, proudly holding the trophy for the Joan Hessayon prize, Tim Ardizzone, and Mags Cullingford
Pia Fenton, our newly elected chairman, and Jon Astley
Party ladies, left to right: Giselle Green, Pia Fenton, Jenny Barden, Liz Fenwick, agent Carole Blake, and Janet Gover
Janet Gover, Liz Harris, and Liz Ringrose
Jane Bidder and Gill Stewart, the RNA’s newly elected Treasurer
Brigid Coady and Julie Cohen
Me and NWS member Karen Aldous
And, of course, many many more were present, but my poor camera refused to cooperate further!
Henriette Gyland 
Thank you so much for posting these. I hated to miss the party but I’ve been in a hurry up and wait state since the beggining of the year. Lovely shots.
So sorry you couldn’t be there, but there’s always next time…
no photos of shoes?!
Caroline Praed
Sadly no shoe pictures this time, Caroline, but you might enjoy this link https://henriettegyland.wordpress.com/2013/05/13/ive-been-awarded-the-liebster-blog-award/
I DID enjoy the blog – especially the picture of your shoes at the end.
[And I am so glad I managed to travel around the world, by public transport, when I was 24-25 as I wouldn’t want to do it now in my wheelchair!]
Great pics, Henri. Looks like everyone had a great time.
I am so glad that you took these photos. Sadly, I couldn’t come. So it is great that you can show all the lovely pics. Hope to be at the winter party.
Lorraine
Winter party it is, Lorraine!
Fab pics, Henri, and a very sensible size – you can see everyone and what they’re wearing without squinting at a miniature!
Liz X
Liz – I wanted to put the pictures side by side to avoid having to scroll down too much, but sadly WordPress wasn’t playing ball. I’m glad you like this size, though 🙂
Lovely pics. Great memories.
Thanks, Carol, my fellow JH contender!
Great post Henri,thanks.
Was sorry not to be there but your pics have given me a lovely flavour of what I missed.Also congrats for being shortlisted for the JH.A fab achievement.
Take care, Nikki.xc
It’s so fun to put faces to names. One day I’d like to be there:)
We were ships that passed in the night, Henri……it’s always over far too quickly, I think. Good selection of pix.
Sorry you couldn’t be there, Nikki, and Beverley too. And you’re quite right, Linda, there’s never enough time to talk to everyone.
Everyone scrubbed up well again!!! 🙂
Thanks for your kind words, John. We did indeed!
Great photos, Henri, and doesn’t everyone look glamorous! That’s the RNA for you. x